[anchorman]

It was Deep Blue, over on the UK forum that found this little gem. The CX-3 is about to get some quite interesting revisions;

"The CX-3 gets even more subtle changes – the base XD model now has LED headlights and 18-inch wheels, the same as the rest of the lineup. Both cars receive the new Machine Grey Metallic paint option that debuted on the CX-9, along with Eternal Blue Mica. The 2 also gains new Deep Crimson Mica and Sonic Silver Metallic options, while the CX-3 gets Snowflake White Pearl Mica for the first time.

Inside, both the 2 and the CX-3 benefit from a new, thinner three-spoke steering wheel, along with a revised instrument cluster that is clearer and more legible. Also added is a new full-colour head-up display, along with an optional 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory function (which also saves the positioning and brightness of the HUD), a steering wheel heater and auto-folding wing mirrors on the CX-3.”

There are new exterior and interior colours/colors too like this new silver grey/gray;

.....and this brown interior;

Have a read...........

Mazda 2 and CX-3 updated with G-Vectoring Control

 

[anchorman]

I think that new heated wheel looks thicker, not thinner and you guys get that memory seat you long for.

 

[Sarah]

Huh. I'm going in to purchase a CX-3 tomorrow afternoon... are these changes happening only in Japan as of November 17th? Or will they be sold here? Hmmm.

Because these sound cool: "...optional 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory function (which also saves the positioning and brightness of the HUD), a steering wheel heater and auto-folding wing mirrors on the CX-3."

 

[anchorman]

Huh. I'm going in to purchase a CX-3 tomorrow afternoon... are these changes happening only in Japan as of November 17th? Or will they be sold here? Hmmm.

Because these sound cool: "...optional 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory function (which also saves the positioning and brightness of the HUD), a steering wheel heater and auto-folding wing mirrors on the CX-3."

It's really frustrating when this happens. My guess is that, as usual there will be regional differences to the actual specs but they will largely apply to all markets. It's up to you as to what you do. You could talk to the dealer but they are instructed to vehemently deny such revisions but some will come clean and some might be OK with you postponing your purchase. Any of the US guys got any comments on what Sarah should do? Try and base them on fact or experience please.

 

[17CeramicMetallicGT]

If Mazda puts a turbo on this thing, I'm going to really sad I didn't wait.

 

[drs88]

It will be interesting to see how these changes flow down into other markets, the car is already selling so well here! That brown interior looks amazing.

 

[funambulistic]

A full color HUD sounds great (though I like the information displayed, the monochromatic, 80's blue color looks rather dated). Why the slimmer steering wheel? As Anchorman points out, it looks the same, but I enjoy the thickness of mine (it is actually better than my '13 MS3, which did not even have the - don't know what they are called - "bulges" at 10:00 and 2:00). Then again, I have big hands and appreciate the larger diameter. A distinct improvement would be a flat bottom steering wheel. Though there is always room for improvement, I find the instrument cluster is just fine and, at this price, could care less about power seats or folding mirrors (in Texas we have parking spaces to accommodate giant trucks - and those compensating...).

 

[Sarah]

OH MY STARS: Is this saying the CX-3 will be available with a MANUAL TRANSMISSION? When they say "in Japan," they mean it's manufactured there and then shipped to my greedy hands in Philadelphia, right?

"In Japan, the Mazda 2 soldiers on with the same 93 PS/123 Nm 1.3 litre direct-injected SkyActiv-G petrol engine and 105 PS/250 Nm 1.5 litre SkyActiv-D turbodiesel; the CX-3 is only available with the latter. Both are matched to a choice of six-speed SkyActiv-MT manual and SkyActiv-Drive automatic gearboxes, and are available in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive forms."

 

[anchorman]

OH MY STARS: Is this saying the CX-3 will be available with a MANUAL TRANSMISSION? When they say "in Japan," they mean it's manufactured there and then shipped to my greedy hands in Philadelphia, right?

"In Japan, the Mazda 2 soldiers on with the same 93 PS/123 Nm 1.3 litre direct-injected SkyActiv-G petrol engine and 105 PS/250 Nm 1.5 litre SkyActiv-D turbodiesel; the CX-3 is only available with the latter. Both are matched to a choice of six-speed SkyActiv-MT manual and SkyActiv-Drive automatic gearboxes, and are available in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive forms."

Sarah, if I could have a special one off US model with a manual transmission made I would but in reality, I suspect that is one of those regional differences I spoke about. Don't change your signature just yet :|

 

[Sarah]

Sarah, if I could have a special one off US model with a manual transmission made I would but in reality, I suspect that is one of those regional differences I spoke about. Don't change your signature just yet :|

 

[NotAPreppie]

If Mazda puts a turbo on this thing, I'm going to really sad I didn't wait.

I don't think you have much to worry about there. IIRC, Mazda's only turbo gasoline engine right now is the SkyActiv 2.5T going into the CX-9. I just can't see them bringing that down to the CX-3 any time soon.

 

[DJ9999]

The 2.5T won't fit in the CX3. They had to alter the 2.0 manifold for it to fit in the CX3. Remember Mazda2 roots.

It will be interesting to see what features trickle to other markets. I'd love a color HUD but plan to keep my current CX3 for many, many years.

 

[anchorman]

Aye, this is all normal stuff. They will keep revising - often annually, which not only refreshes the car but encourages existing owners to renew their contract. A large percentage of cars in the U.K. are sold on a contract basis with an option to purchase or renew at the end with the car and any equity making the deposit for the next 3 years. They do their level best to get them to renew at the end.

 

[Sarah]

Dealership says they've heard of none of these changes... sounds like maybe this is all Japan for now?

I assume I should go ahead and then consider eating some cost and trading up in 2018.

 

[NotAPreppie]

The 2.5T won't fit in the CX3. They had to alter the 2.0 manifold for it to fit in the CX3. Remember Mazda2 roots.

That just sounds like a lack of ambition and reciprocating saw.

 

[Geezer]

Interesting! The changes finally bring the CX3 on a par with Subaru Crosstrek. As for my needs, I would just as soon have the seat adjustments welded in place since I am the only one who drives this car. As for the heated steering wheel, I had this on one of my previous cars and never used it. I just wear a good pair of leather driving gloves instead - they allow for a much better grip on the wheel. As for a colour Heads Up Display, for me the bright amber display is easier to read and keep track of so I would prefer it to the fully colour display. But I really like the folding mirrors and I wish I had a pair.

 

[st3v3cx-3]

Dealership says they've heard of none of these changes... sounds like maybe this is all Japan for now?

I assume I should go ahead and then consider eating some cost and trading up in 2018.

In the UK and Europe, the CX-3 has had the option of either the manual or automatic transmission since its launch around July 2015. So the lack of a manual option in the USA maybe a conscious choice made by Mazda USA? If that is the case, and sales impact of only providing the automatic transmission don't take a nosedive, I wouldn't hold out much hope of a manual option in the USA even in 2018!

 

[DJ9999]

So the lack of a manual option in the USA maybe a conscious choice made by Mazda USA?

Its a decision many who sell vehicles in the US make. Manual transmissions are becoming difficult to find and usually only on base trim.

However Mazda is a bit unique that they offer them freely on the 3 and 6, even on top tier trims - that is very rare in the US.

Almost every CUV sold here has a auto standard. I don't expect that to change with the CX3. But you never know...

 

[mainemanx]

I don't understand ... it's such a sweet 6-speed automatic ... and much easier to handle in the snow.

 

[anchorman]

Dealership says they've heard of none of these changes... sounds like maybe this is all Japan for now?

I assume I should go ahead and then consider eating some cost and trading up in 2018.

It doesn't surprise me. They'll be worried about everybody withholding purchase.